YC.com: Optaflexx

Report and comments by James I. Sprague Ph.D. Livestock Nutritionist

Not on Market Yet
Elanco Animal Health Company, a division of Eli Lilly has recently cleared their new feed additive Optaflexx for beef cattle with the Federal Drug Administration. They followed up their announcement with meetings for the media, beef nutritionist, consultants, and packers to present the facts of the development and their plans for introduction to the beef cattle industry.

They are now working on a clearance with their other additives Rumensin and Tylan. They probably will not market Optaflexx until it is cleared with Rumensin and possible both Rumensin and Tylan making it a three way clearance.

An Exciting Development
Optaflexx is not a hormone or a antibiotic, but is a new unique compound that stimulates protein deposition in the beef animal. Optaflexx works without lowering the amount of finish or marbling of the carcass. In addition, research has demonstrated that it does not change the eating quality of the beef. It also does not change the cooler shrink in the packing house.

Optaflexx does not change the eating quality of the beef.A Benefit Beyond the Feedyard
Elanco stresses that Optaflexx will have a benefit beyond the feedyard. Here is a quote from their presentation, ".... it fits the packers demands for increased yield of closely trimmed boneless retail cuts, while maintaining eating quality."

Benefits Feedlots Three Ways
The recommended program for steers will probably be 200 mg per day for 28 days. Their research indicates that it will result in: (1) increased live weight gain of 17 pounds per head, (2) increased red meat yield of 14 pounds, and (3) an improvement in efficiency by helping the cattle better utilize nutrients.

It is cleared to be fed at a range of 8.2 to 24.6 grams per ton (70 to 430 milligrams per head per day) for 28 to 42 days. It appears this wide range will give the industry a flexible tool to achieve the goals of the feed additive.

A Feedlot's Marketing Program May Change
Since one of the major benefits of the use of this additive is primarily carcass value, this may change the marketing of finished cattle.

The use of Optaflexx seems most applicable to feedlots that market on the carcass basis or a grid system. It may not fit every feedlot. For example, a variable set of cattle may need to be marketed over a 60 day period. Another consideration, pens may need to be sorted into outcome groups prior to placing on the finish ration. The additive may fit nicely with feedlots that are using an ultrasound sorting systems to segregate cattle into marketing groups.
Feeding Changes at the Feedlot

For feedlots that use medicated supplements and premixes another supplement bin will be required. Feedlots with "micro-nutrient" machines will have an advantage, because the only change will be extra finishing rations. Optaflexx is mixed in the diet in minute amounts, similar to the quantities of other ingredients added to the diet such as vitamins and minerals.
No ration changes are recommended if Optaflexx is added to the ration.

Marketing Window
Since the additive is approved for feeding during the final 28 to 42 days of the feeding period, there is a 14 day window to market cattle. Elanco recommends feeding Optaflexx for at least the minimum 28 days to get a better return on your investment.

Feeding Optaflexx for less than 28 days has no negative impact on safety, however Elanco cautions that less benefit will be realized.

Runoff Concerns
According to Elanco, Optaflexx is not prone to groundwater leaching because it binds to soil particles. It also dissipates from soil rapidly due to its photosensitivity.

Unlike ionophores, Optaflexx is not toxic to horses, and have been proven safe in various wildlife species, including bobwhite quail, mallard ducks, rainbow trout and bluegill.©